mead halls

Mead halls were communal gathering places in early medieval northern Europe, especially among Germanic and Viking societies. They served as central sites for socializing, feasting, and celebrating, often hosting warriors, chieftains, and their followers. These halls were symbols of alliance and hospitality, offering food, drink, and entertainment. Architecturally, they were large, wooden structures with communal benches and a central hearth. Beyond social functions, mead halls reinforced social bonds, displayed wealth, and served as venues for political discussions and storytelling, playing a vital role in the cultural and social cohesion of their communities.